Thought to be the best preserved city centre in Crete, the centre of town is beautiful and stately, with a cluster of superb restaurants near Venizelos Square. The Topanas district is particularly lovely, with winding narrow streets and many shops to explore.

With a history stretching back well before the Roman Empire, Chania has many archaeological treasures to show off, and this museum does so in style. Housed in a 16th century church, choice exhibits include some rare examples of the Minoan Linear A language and a couple of gorgeous Venetian fountains in the tranquil courtyard.

Chania was one of the most important foreign outposts of Venice's trading empire, and has an impressive array of walls and towers still standing from that era. Combine a visit to the walls with a wander around the excellent Naval Museum for a cheap and fascinating lesson in local history (and the walls make for a superb picnic spot).

The beautiful Samaria Gorge is located in southern Crete, a short bus journey from Chania, and makes for an ideal day trip. Wear sturdy shoes and take plenty of water if visiting during the summer. Hikers can walk down the valley and then take a boat to a nearby port, where buses head back to town until the evening.

The city used to have a thriving Jewish population, but that all ended with the Nazis in 1944. Fortunately, the splendid synagogue of Etz Hayyim has been restored and is open for visitors to enter.